A SOLICITOR whose daughter suffered from meningitis as a baby, is taking part in the London marathon to raise money for research into the illness.

And David Shorrocks, of Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, is offering a free will to anyone who sponsors him for £40 or more.

He has received sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues and he hopes that his entry in the run on Sunday April 14 will raise crucial funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

His target is to complete the marathon in less than four hours and he is undergoing an extensive training programme.

He said: "Although I am generally fit, I have been training in earnest for six days a week since the turn of the year.

"I chose to run for Meningitis Research Foundation because I have seen the effect that meningitis had on my daughter, Eleanor, now nine, when she was only six weeks old."

If you would like to sponsor Mr Shorrocks, please contact the Meningitis Research Foundation, telephone (01454) 281811.